School-based aftercare for adolescents recovering from substance abuse: a secondary school needs assessment

Adolescent substance abuse is a critical problem facing an increasing number of families. Abuse and subsequent treatment and recovery often have negative effects on students' educational experience. The purpose of this study was to assess the need for school-based aftercare for recovering adolescents in a secondary school setting. A purposive sample of 37 secondary students responded to a Likert-type survey as well as two open-ended questions. The data indicated generally negative attitudes of where the students perceived themselves to be in their recovery process, but also revealed the respondents' desire for aftercare support at school.